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Image courtesy of Deposit PhotosAntibiotic resistance claims 35,000 lives across Europe annually, as antibiotics lose their effectiveness due to overuse and misuse.
Antibiotic resistance has become a major global health threat, with its impact equalling that of influenza, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS combined. This European Antibiotics Awareness Day (EAAD), the HSE is urging the public to value antibiotics and use them only when absolutely necessary.
Antibiotics are life-saving drugs essential for treating bacterial infections, but they are ineffective against viral infections like colds, flu, and COVID-19. Dr Eimear Brannigan, HSE National Clinical Lead for Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control (AMRIC), emphasised the vital role of antibiotics:
“Antibiotics are lifesaving drugs when used appropriately to treat bacterial infections, and are usually very safe for us. We have become reliant on antibiotics being effective to treat or prevent infection during many of our routine operations, treatments and for critical surgery such as organ transplants, cancer treatment and many illnesses.”
However, overuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and agriculture over the past century has led to bacteria evolving resistance. This means infections that were once easily treated may no longer respond to antibiotics, creating what are commonly referred to as “superbugs.”
What Can Be Done?
The HSE is urging individuals to take responsibility for addressing this growing threat by following these steps:
- Use antibiotics only as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- Practise good infection prevention and control measures to stop the spread of infections.
Dr Scott Walkin, GP and Irish College of GPs Lead for Antimicrobial Resistance, stressed:
“Antibiotics do not help you to get better any quicker if the infection is caused by a virus. As a GP, I still get some requests for antibiotics from people who have colds and flu or for their children. Antibiotics will not help them and can cause side effects like upset tummies, nausea or skin rash.”
Trust the Process, Not the Prescription
The HSE offers practical advice for managing common illnesses without antibiotics through its online resource at www.hse.ie/conditions/common-illnesses/. This includes guidance on how long common illnesses typically last:
- Earache: Most clear up within 3–7 days.
- Sore throat: Most improve within 7–8 days.
- Colds: Most resolve within 14 days.
- Cough: Most last up to 21 days.
Vaccination: A Key Defence
Winter vaccines, including flu and COVID-19 vaccines, are vital tools in preventing viral infections that do not require antibiotics. The HSE encourages everyone to stay fully vaccinated to reduce the risk of illness.
Takeaways for Safer Antibiotic Use
- Never share antibiotics or take them without a prescription.
- Finish the prescribed course if antibiotics are necessary.
- Contact a healthcare provider if serious side effects occur.
- Stay at home if feeling unwell.
Antibiotic resistance is a silent pandemic. By using antibiotics responsibly, we can preserve their effectiveness for future generations.